Five remarkable properties across England are currently on the market, each representing unique architectural visions that push the boundaries of conventional home design. From an award-winning treehouse to a pioneering Brutalist retreat, these homes demonstrate how innovative design can transform the way we think about residential living.
The most whimsical of these properties is Woodsman's Treehouse in West Dorset, which has garnered significant recognition in the decade since its construction. Built by a carpenter and his sons in a gap between two oak trunks and supported by stilts, this eco-friendly hideaway has earned three awards from the Royal Institute of British Architects and was featured on Channel 4's "Grand Designs: House of the Year." The unique structure includes a copper bathtub, rooftop sauna, and even a slide that provides a playful way to reach the ground. The property is being sold as part of Mallinson's Woodland Retreat, which includes two additional treehouses and 5.3 hectares (13 acres) of private woodland, with an asking price of £2 million.
In Tisbury, Wiltshire, architecture enthusiasts have the opportunity to own Upper Lawn, a country retreat designed by Alison and Peter Smithson, who were pioneers of the New Brutalism movement in the latter half of the 20th century. This sleek modern structure, priced at £895,000, represents a departure from the urban buildings that made the architectural couple famous. The home ingeniously incorporates an original derelict stone cottage that had been slated for demolition, wrapping it in a contemporary design featuring floor-to-ceiling glass panels that offer panoramic views of the Nadder Valley. The current owners are selling after 23 years of ownership.
Frogs Hole Cottage in Sissinghurst, Kent, demonstrates how historical buildings can be transformed through thoughtful modern additions. This 19th-century farm cottage has been enhanced with a striking Siberian larch-clad extension and a self-contained annexe, creating a compelling blend of old and new architecture. Visitors approach via a private driveway that leads to the steel-framed glass frontage of the new section, while only glimpses of the original building remain visible. The ground floor houses an open-plan kitchen and dining area, with four bedrooms located on the first floor. The property is listed at £950,000.
In the picturesque village of Motcombe, Dorset, located on the edge of Blackmore Vale just two miles north of Shaftesbury, stands the otherworldly Half Moon House. This property offers a stark contrast to typical village homes, featuring rendered, curving concrete walls that extend from the original stone building. The circular open kitchen and living room are surrounded by floor-to-ceiling glazed panels that provide views of the wraparound garden under exposed timber beams arranged in a distinctive half-moon configuration. The village itself offers all the essential amenities, including a pub, post office, and primary school. Half Moon House is priced at £800,000.
The most expensive property in this collection is located in Upper Slaughter, Gloucestershire, where an 1877 gasworks building has been transformed into a luxurious four-bedroom, four-bathroom country residence. The conversion preserves the character of the original structure, which now houses the kitchen, breakfast room, and sitting room under exposed beams. A remarkable glass hallway consisting of seven consecutive glass doors connects the historic building to a striking new extension made of rusty red Corten steel, complete with a circular watch tower. This design-forward creation, situated between the popular towns of Stow-on-the-Wold and Bourton-on-the-Water, is priced at £1.85 million, representing the pinnacle of creative architectural transformation.
